All protocol observed, I Demmerle Phillip Martin stand before you today as the Valedictorian of the 31st graduation at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and the very first from the great Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, humbled and grateful for this moment.
As an African proverb wisely states, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Our MUST community has been that village, nurturing each of us to this pinnacle. To our professors and lecturers: your guidance has been our compass, teaching us not just knowledge, but how to think critically and challenge the status quo. Your commitment to our success has been unwavering, and for that, we are deeply thankful.
To our families: this triumph is as much yours as it is ours. You’ve been our strength through every challenge, celebrating our victories and comforting us in defeat. Your support has been the foundation of our success.
Fellow graduates, let us reflect on our journey. As the Ugandan proverb reminds us, “You do not climb to the mountain top without crushing some weeds with your feet.” We’ve faced unprecedented challenges, including a global pandemic that transformed our learning experience. Yet, we adapted, we persevered, and we stand here today, not just as graduates, but as resilient, adaptable individuals ready to face an unpredictable world.
But remember, this is not the end—it’s a new beginning. Let these words echo in our minds: “No matter how full the river, it still wants to grow.” This Congolese wisdom urges us to remain hungry for growth, for knowledge, and impact.
As we step into the world beyond MUST, let’s carry with us the spirit of curiosity, resilience, and ambition that has brought us this far. Our education has equipped us not just with degrees, but with the tools to make a difference.
Fellow graduates, go forth and let the world know the power of a MUST graduate. Our journey starts anew today. Let us make it count.
